I'm using one of these at the moment, and it does seem like a pretty good system. Sure you could use other embedded computers running linux, but then you would still need a motor controller, servo controller and digital/analogue I/O board, and you'd need to write software to integrate it all that together and add a web server. This is all possible for the hardcore robot hobbyist, but I think the aim with this system is to lower the bar and make it easier for people to get into the subject - especially women.

That's great news! It looks like an interesting package and I'm more and more intrigued about getting one. If you have a minute for some questions: Is there a software environment where you can design and test control programs? Do you have complete control over programming the FPGA?

Your comment about women is curious, too. I imagine if more women were interested in robotics then they'd get into it. Knowing my wife and daughters I can't imagine any lowering of bars is required. Rather, I imagine women are quite wise not getting into a field where you find yourself inventing new ways to curse at inanimate pieces of metal and plastic. :) (hmmm, sort of like golf....)